William (“Bill”) C. Koch

He was born in Lackawanna on June 3, 1946, son of the late Walter and Alice (Conrad) Koch. Raised in Eden, he graduated from Eden Central High School in 1964. Though he never much cared for school, from a very young age Bill fostered an enduring curiosity about how things work, and often satisfied it by disassembling and reassembling any toy, machine or household appliance he could get his hands on (sometimes leaving behind a spare washer or two as the only evidence of his investigation). It was this curiosity that led him to the University of Buffalo, where he earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1970.

Upon graduation, Bill embarked upon a 33-year career as an engineer, working at various outfits across Western New York, including U.S. Plywood/Champion International and TODCO in Cattaraugus, Aronson Machine Company in Arcade, a Dresser-Clark Corp. drafting office in Bowmansville, West Valley Demonstration Project in West Valley and, finally, back at TODCO. Though a hard worker who loved problem solving through design, he never considered himself much of a “career man.” His working hours may have been spent at the drafting table each day, but the hours he lived for were at home, with his beloved wife, Karen (Foss) Koch, and four sons.

Around home, he was the consummate handyman, tackling home renovations and day-to-day repairs on cars and appliances alike. Bill could build a staircase, troubleshoot a sputtering engine and refurbish a broken dryer. He enjoyed woodworking, and lovingly handcrafted an art-worthy hammered dulcimer for Karen, in addition to building a modest library’s worth of bookshelves to house her many books. A Pinewood Derby car-making wizard, he masterminded a 7-year-long run of Koch Family victories at the local (Scout Troop 276) level. Bill loved being in nature, whether that meant taking his family for one of its frequent hikes in Zoar Valley, snowshoeing around a county forest with Karen, or paddling on one of WNY’s numerous lakes and waterways. His favorite vacation place was the Adirondacks, where he brought his family camping for two weeks nearly every summer.

Above all else, though, Bill was a committed family man, devoted to his wife of 51 years, Karen, and deeply proud of his four sons, Vincent (Rebecca) Koch of Louisville, KY; Dennis (Kerissa) Koch of Williamsville; Geoffrey (Stephanie) Koch of Lancaster; and Peter (Laura) Koch of Delmar, NY. He considered Karen the love of his life, and with her he modeled what a loving relationship could look like–built on trust and mutual respect; steadfast and unwavering, but open to new ideas and experiences; full of laughter and quiet affection; committed to one another but shared openly with those friends and family lucky enough to know them together.

Bill came to understand that love is a decision, and to remain in love meant to constantly grow alongside your partner. With Karen’s encouragement, he eventually tamed his two left feet (they attended contra dances, and danced at all four sons’ weddings) and even came to tolerate Shakespearean plays. In turn, he created space for her to pursue hobbies in art and music, to develop extensive friendships throughout the community and, eventually, to return to full-time graduate school in her mid-40s, earn an MLS, and build a successful career as Director of the Collins Public Library. In retirement, he and Karen traveled extensively, attended church frequently and prayed together nightly, doted over grandchildren, and rarely left each other’s sides.

Together, they strived to raise a family grounded in their own beliefs and values. And, rather than offering his sons extensive advice or mentorship, Bill was the “strong silent” type who chose to lead by his constant examples of hard work, self-sacrifice, love of family and devotion to God. He firmly believed that anything worth doing, was worth doing right. In the end, he died confident in the knowledge that these simple to say but incredibly hard to do things–cultivating a lifelong love, raising sons grounded in his own values, and living a full and purposeful life–were things that he’d most certainly done right.

A devout Catholic his entire life, Bill was a member of St. Joseph’s RC Church, where he and Karen attended Mass for nearly 50 years, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Besides his wife and four sons, Bill is survived by his older brother, Walter (Kathleen) Koch of Hamburg; Also surviving are seven cherished grandchildren–June Kaus, Brendan, Abigail, Benjamin, Ethan, Heidi and Oaklee Koch–all of whom pleased him to no end.

Relatives and friends may call for a viewing on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Mentley Funeral Home, Inc. 105 E. Main St. in Gowanda.

His life will be celebrated with a funeral on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 11 am at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Gowanda.

Memorial donations may be made to the Collins Public Library or to a charity of your choosing.

Online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.